Parents are encouraged to contact the Parish as soon as their child is born, or even in the later months of the pregnancy.  A simple way to do this is through the online Baptism Intake Form.  Parish staff can also be reached by phone (207.773.7746).

Baptisms are normally celebrated in our parishes at the following times:

• Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception: 11AM on Sundays following the 10AM Mass
• Sacred Heart/St. Dominic Parish: 11:30AM on Sundays, following the 10:30AM Mass
• St. Peter's Parish: 1:00PM Sundays
• St. Louis Parish: 12:30PM on Sundays, following the 11:30AM Mass.
• St. Christopher's Parish: 9:30AM on Sundays, following the 8:30AM Mass.

If the family would like to request a different time from those listed above, they will need the permission of the Pastor.

Sacramental Preparation for the Baptism of Infants is completed by the parents of the child to be baptized, who are taking on the responsibility for raising their child in the practice of the faith.  Fr. Kevin Upham will help parents to schedule this preparation session and explain the process.

The selection of Godparents can sometimes present difficulties.  Please recall that the Church requires the following for those who are chosen for Godparents:
 

1. Be at least sixteen (16) years of age.
2. Be a fully initiated Catholic (must have received all three sacraments of initiation, baptism, confirmation and Eucharist).
3. Be a practicing Catholic who leads a life of faith necessary to fulfill the responsibility of being a sponsor.  This means that they should be going to Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation, living a lifestyle that is based on the teaching of Christ, and if married, married according to the laws of the Catholic Church (married by a Catholic priest or with official permission to be married outside of the Catholic Church)
4. May not be the father or the mother of the person to be baptized.

Only one Godparent is required for baptism.  In addition to the Godparent, parents may choose a Christian Witness - a protestant who lives their faith devoutly and who can also serve as a guide in the life of faith.  

Parents with questions about the choice of godparents are encouraged to speak with Fr. Kevin Upham.